KUNSHAN, China (AFP) - Lee Chong Wei's Malaysian squad survived a nail-biting showdown with Asian rivals South Korea at the Thomas Cup in China on Tuesday, after the national women's team crashed out of the concurrent Uber Cup in a tight clash with Denmark.

The world No. 3 led the charge as Malaysia edged out South Korea 3-2 at the world team championship in Kunshan to finish as the top seed from their grouping ahead of the quarter-finals later this week.

The five-time Thomas Cup champions are aiming to break their 24-year drought at the tournament.

In Uber Cup action, Malaysia failed to stir a similar resurgence against Denmark, allowing the Danes to clinch a spot in the quarters after the closely contested 3-2 battle.

In the deciding singles match of the tie, Anne Thea Madsen sent the Malaysians crashing out of the tournament with a 22-24, 21-13, 21-13 win over Ho Yen Mei.

Both competitions feature 16 teams divided into four groups, with the top two in each qualifying for the quarter-finals.